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Location notes

Whilton locks is a canal side location in Northamptonshire. The West Coast Mainline runs through here.

Railway type and traffic

Traffic is mainly Virgin Pendolinos, and the occasional Desiro unit or Voyager. At least one loco hauled diagram each day is booked past here (as at June 2007).Although this is on the WCML, it must be noted that some services, including most freight is diverted away from this location, being pathed along the Northampton loop.Also this location is very quiet on a Sunday, as most passenger trains also take the loop.

Environment

Apart from the noise from the nearby motorway, this is a quiet canal side location.

Road directions

From Daventry, head eastwards to Norton. Pass through the village of Norton, and continue until you come to the A5 crossroad. Go straight over here, and you will notice the railway line crossing over the road. Go under this bridge, and decide where to park!

3 options.......1. You can park in the garden centre car park...... (customers only? I suppose you`d better browse their wares for a minute or two when you get back!)2. There is space to park one car on the left, just after the canal bridge.3. Somewhere on the right immediately after the railway bridge, but to be honest, I`d go for one of the other two options.

Toilets can be found in the 'Canal Side' restaurant as well as in the Garden centre. The restaurant serves meals and snacks, including all-day baps! You can also purchase home made jams and marmalades, should you wish to take some toast along with you!.You can also get a pint from the White Horse in Norton.

Sun Compass

Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Whilton Locks

Unfortunately, the classic shot looking over the marina is no more, as line side growth has got way beyond control.However, shots can still be had if you walk a little further along the side of the canal.Please note that this is a morning only location.Photos of northbound trains can be had in the very early summertime hours, and southbounds up until lunchtime, after which the sun is on totally the wrong side of the line.

The gap in the greenery fits a 9 car Pendolino in nicely!This was about 11am. Those annoying white bits by the bridge are signs. One for Birse rail, and the other for 'Buckingham' (They must have had some contract work here)A job for photoshop perhaps!?

Fig 2 - Looking south west

This used to be the shot, this is a real shame that the bushes have really got out of control now. It doesn`t seem that long ago when I used to get Blue Roarers ( 81s>85s for the young 'uns - ed ) in shots similar to this...... The last time I attempted this shot was about 4 years ago, and a Virgin HST was the subject, and that was pushing my luck back then! One day network rail embankment control may prevale.

Fig 3 - Looking south west

Fig 4 - Looking south west

Fig 5 - Looking south west

The earlier in the morning the better for this one. Note large tree to right.

Fig 6 - Looking south west

Almost same shot as above, but avoiding tree (Which could be a feature) This would be good if a train was in view as well.

Fig 7 - Looking north west

There is a bridge which crosses the canal here. If you cross it you can get this shot from the field.

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